What happens when drag becomes a global phenomenon?

Rolling off the back of the Drag Race lorry, armed with nothing but a RuPeter Badge and a fading memory of the Werk Room, Marmalade wades into the territory of post show “fame”, and is left wondering…

Why did she do that? Why did she go on the show? What kind of impact does the show, one of that scale, have on local scenes and their? A show that doesn’t necessarily platform the drag she loves, and why doesn’t it? What kind of drag does she love? Does she still love her own drag? Why does she do it?

Welcome to Spotlight – a new venue designed, operated and built by Marmalade herself (it wasn’t, this is theatre), and her chance to explore these questions, pretend she has answers, and celebrate the drag and queer artists she loves.

Development stages of this show were funded by Arts Council of Wales. Directed by Elan Isaac, with written material by Priya Hall, creative support by Leo Drayton, and produced by Daniel Huw Bowen on behalf of The Queer Emporium, Marm’s Spotlight is a newly created theatre show by star of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and drag artist, Marmalade.
Illustration by cakelikeowen
Cast

Marmalade

Marmalade is a drag artist and seamstress, who taught herself to sew during the lockdown period caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. She has made outfits for organisations including Frân Wen and National Eisteddfod Cymru, though she is most well known for outfits made for contestants on the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise. Her sewing recently made her a Guinness Book Record Holder and her outfit, ‘Marmalade’s Marie Antoinette Drag Ensemble’, is currently on display as part of the Marie Antoinette Style exhibition at the V&A South Kensington until March 2026.

In 2024, she competed on the sixth series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, placing in the top four. Since then, she has performed at notable LGBTQ+ venues and spaces, including The Clapham Grand, The Glee Club and Pride Cymru.

Thistle Thing
Thistle Thing is a sharp-tongued, high-glamour performer with a love for character, detail, and a perfectly timed wink. Blending theatrical flair with handcrafted looks, they bring wit, presence, and just the right amount of mischief to every stage.
Unknown Amazon
Taking you back to a time of revolution, funk & proud PROUD afros, it’s Unknown Amazon!

Tickets: https://queeremporium.co.uk/products/marms-spotlight-leeds